California consumers win a $5.1M settlement with Tractor Supply over pricing, pesticides and greenwashing
Tractor Supply Co. will pay $5.1 million to settle civil consumer protection claims from five California counties (Sonoma, San Diego, Santa Cruz, Sacramento and San Bernardino) that it overcharged customers beyond the lowest advertised price, sold pesticides without current licenses, and used greenwashing in labeling biodegradables. The company must implement a California-wide pesticide-compliance program, maintain a database of licensed dealers, conduct quarterly audits of 25% of stores selling covered pesticides, and provide quarterly reports to the Department of Pesticide Regulation, plus ensure website product compliance. It will also pay $500,000 to the California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association Quantity Control Trust Fund and reimburse about $73,283 in costs. Tractor Supply cooperated with the investigation and paused some pesticide sales during enforcement.
